Inside the Playbook: Milana Lewis on What Makes an Artist Stand Out

In this clip from The Manager’s Playbook, Mauricio Ruiz sits down with Milana Lewis (CEO of Stem) to unpack the realities of artist development and partnerships in today’s music business.

Milana shares how artists can get noticed without relying solely on social media, why consistent storytelling is key, and the tough decisions behind who gets signed and when. She also dives into the challenges of timing, capacity, and staying true to your vision while finding the right partners.

We explore real-world examples, from artists like Frank Ocean and Chappell Roan, and draw parallels between the entrepreneurial journey of startups and the path of an artist testing and refining their craft.

This conversation is packed with insights for artists and managers navigating growth, making strategic decisions, and building long-term careers in music.

A conversation like this doesn't come cheap.

Listen to the full episode here -

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7qj5aAUZJEh9bVIWWq596j?si=kORo9PheQ4G3mqg_t5X1PA

Watch the Episodes On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@managersplaybook